On Tue, 29 Oct 2013 15:06:34 -0400, micky wrote:

Is this really a torsion spring, or is it a flex spring that has been
wound up in to a coil?
Don't forget to tie something so it doesn't come loose and spring back
in your face. I never understood exactly what to tie.

Yes, it's a torsion spring, so, AFAIK, there's nothing to "tie".
(Maybe you're talking about extension springs?)

The 18-foot long 1" diameter torsion rod is what keeps the torsion spring
from killing you when it breaks.

BTW, the total costs in upgraded parts & shipping was around $150:
Torsion Spring & Cone: 2"ID, 0.243"thick, 35.25"long SPB-243-35-25L
Torsion Spring & Cone: 2"ID, 0.243"thick, 35.25"long SPB-243-35-25R
Bearings 1" Freeway Heavy Duty 2"OD BE-100
Shipping
Total = $150

The old springs were only 10,000 duty cycle, while these (longer and
thicker) springs are 41,000 duty cycle, so, they should last almost 30
years, used four times a day, every day.

BTW, this would have been a 1:1 replacement of the old springs:
Torsion Spring & Cone: 2"ID, 0.225"thick, 24.25"long SPB-225-24-25L
Torsion Spring & Cone: 2"ID, 0.225"thick, 24.25"long SPB-225-24-25R

But, those springs would only last about 7 years, used 4 times a day.

PS: I guess there is one question. I hate waste.
Q: What can I do that's useful with the OLD unbroken spring?